It will be a very difficult task for Bangladesh to overcome their qualifying round defeat to Hong Kong and stand strong in front of the defending champions West Indies who will be looking to win to survive in the World Twenty20 today.
However, it won’t be totally surprising if the Tigers, inspired from their record against West Indies, pull an upset and send the Caribbean’s closer to elimination at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Bangladesh’s only win in the World T20 was against West Indies in 2007 while in total they have a 50% win ration in four matches played.
The home side is expected to alter their line up from the Hong Kong defeat as all rounder Ziaur Rahman, who replaced Rubel Hossain in the squad, is likely to replace Farhad Reza while Mashrafe bin Mortaza, despite not fully fit, might also return in place of Rubel.
Sohag Gazi is also likely to get the nod given his impressive record against West Indies who have already exposed their weakness in spin bowling.
The batting unit is also likely to be shuffled with Shamsur Rahman, who is yet to get a game in the tournament, coming in place of Sabbir Rahman at No 3. Meanwhile it is high time Tamim Iqbal, Nasir Hossain and Mahmudullah show some urgency and contribute to the team or else it will once again be too much on the shoulders of Shakib al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim.
None of the captains in the World Twenty20 so far has opted to bat after winning the toss as the slow tracks and dew factor in the night games makes it easy to chase a target instead of setting it. The toss will be crucial for Bangladesh given the number of spinners at Mushfiq’s disposal.
After going down to India, West Indies will be eyeing a win against their comparative weaker opponents. Their batsmen carry the reputation of big hitting and it will be interesting to see how they approach the Tiger spinners who have from time to time made them suffer.
Chris Gayle struggled against the slow Indian bowlers and his input in the match will be crucial for both sides while Dwayne Smith, Dwayne Bravo, Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy will be looking forward to a better performance.
They might include their experienced fast bowler Ravi Rampaul in place of Krishmar Santokie while the number one bowler in the shortest format of the game Sunil Narine holds the key in the bowling unit.
When the Bangladesh side attended the 27th birthday party of Shakib at his home yesterday the all rounder might also serve some experience and calmness with the birthday cake may change the approach of the tigers which they need the most today.